Energy conserving (stand-by mode) power saving design for battery chargers and power supplies with a control signal

ABSTRACT

A system is described that turns off a high power, power supply when a device no longer needs high power. A low power, power supply or a rechargeable battery provides power to determine when the device again needs high power. The low power supply consumes a minimum possible power when the device does not need high power and the power rechargeable battery is not charged. That is, the high power and low power, power supplies are turned on or off based on the real time power consumption need of the device and the charged state of the battery. The power need of the device is monitored by a current shunt monitoring circuit and a control signal monitoring circuit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/043,606, filed Oct. 1, 2013, now pending, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/527,946, filed Jun. 20, 2012, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,575,785, issued Nov. 5, 2013, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/913,238, filed Oct. 27, 2010, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,232,685, issued Jul. 31, 2012, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/195,813,filed Aug. 21, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,843,088, issued Nov. 30, 2010,which is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/034,782, filed Mar. 7, 2008, the specifications ofwhich are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The embodiments discussed herein are directed to electronic systems, andmore specifically to the power supplies in electronic systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

The electronics industry has developed power supply (PS) and batterycharger (BC) systems to power associated devices (AD) including portableDVD players, laptops, video games and televisions to home appliances.Many of these devices have an in-use or full power cycle ratio 1% to50%. The power cycle indicates the percentage of time that the ADrequires the full power potential of the power supply. These devicestypically operate in two modes, low and high, power consumption. Thedevices operate in high power mode when on, active or charging abattery. They operate in low power mode when off or in standby mode.

The power supplies for these devices are designed to provide enoughpower to supply the maximum power consumption needs (high power mode) ofthe AD via a single output. The PS/BC is typically connected to the mainalternating current (AC) power source (plugged in) 100% of the time.Therefore the power supply or battery charger (these terms are usedinterchangeably throughout this document) is active and consuming ACpower when the AD is turned off, in standby mode, sleep mode orphysically disconnected, in other words “downtime”. Power consumptionduring “downtime” is also called phantom and vampire power use. Thisembodiment reduces the AC power consumption of the PS/BC, based onconventional technology, by up to 100% during downtime. The embodimentdisclosed herein provides an upgrade path for manufacturers to meet orexceed the evolving Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)/Department ofEnergy, Energy Star program qualifications. The electronic industry aswell as society is very interested in improving the power savings ofthese devices.

SUMMARY

It is an aspect of the embodiments discussed herein to provide animproved power supply.

The above aspects can be attained by a system that provides a powersupply system including multiple, typically two power supplies, lowpower and high power and a control signal from the associated device(AD). The low power supply is designed to consume the minimum possiblepower when the AD, is in standby mode. The high power supply is designedto supply the maximum power consumption requirement of the AD. The highpower and low power supplies are turned on or off based on the real timepower consumption of the AD. The power consumption of the AD ismonitored by a current shunt monitoring circuit (CSMC).

In the following detailed descriptions, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specificembodiments. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments. It isto be understood that the various embodiments, although different, arenot necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described herein in connection with oneembodiment may be implemented within other embodiments without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, it is to beunderstood that the location or arrangement of individual elementswithin each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the disclosure. The following detaileddescriptions are, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, andthe scope of the embodiments is defined only by the appended claims,appropriately interpreted, along with the full range of equivalents towhich the claims are entitled. In the drawings, like numerals refer tothe same or similar functionality throughout the several views.

These together with other aspects and advantages which will besubsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout.

It is an aspect of the embodiments discussed herein to provide animproved power supply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a power supply in accordance with the embodiment number 1.

FIG. 2 shows a High Level Flow Chart of the Operational Logic of theembodiment number 1.

FIG. 3 shows a Detailed Level Flow Chart of the Operational Logic of theembodiment number 1.

FIG. 4 shows a power supply in accordance with the embodiment number 2.

FIG. 5 shows a High Level Flow Chart of the Operational Logic of theembodiment number 2.

FIG. 6 shows a power supply in accordance with the embodiment number 3.

FIG. 7 shows a High Level Flow Chart of the Operational Logic of theembodiment number 3.

FIG. 8 shows a Detailed Level Flow Chart of the Operational Logic of theembodiment number 3.

FIG. 9 shows a power supply in accordance with the embodiment number 4.

FIG. 10 shows a High Level Flow Chart of the Operational Logic of theembodiment number 4.

FIG. 11 shows a power supply in accordance with the embodiment 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

This system is described in five embodiments to illustrate five of thepossible implementations.

First Embodiment

The following embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 1, is of a power supplyand/or battery charger (PS/BC) system used to power associated devices(8) (AD (8)) with power consumption characteristics that include lowpower consumption (50% to 99% of the time) and high power consumption(1%-50% of the time). The first embodiment operating flow charts aredepicted in FIGS. 2 and 3. This embodiment is a design to power arechargeable laptop computer. The exact ratio of time the AD (8)requires high power versus low power is not critical.

The embodiment discussed herein includes a power supply or batterycharger (PS/BC) designed to minimize the power consumption of itselfduring the times the AD (8) is disconnected, in stand-by, sleep mode oroff. FIG. 1 shows a power supply or battery charger (PS/BC) inaccordance with this embodiment.

The embodiment switches between a low power mode (LPM) and high powermode (HPM) depending on the real time power consumption requirements ofthe AD (8). The logical determination is identified in FIGS. 2 and 3 as(12) and (19). The power consumption of the AD (8) varies based on thefollowing conditions: stand-by or sleep (reduced power consumption)mode, turned off, battery charging mode, disconnected or normal activemode (on). The following is a description of the embodiment of a laptoppower supply. In the description the AD represents a laptop computer.

This embodiment comprises a high power supply (7) Manufacturer: DellModel Number: ADP-70EB and a low power supply (2) Manufacturer: CUIInc., Model Number: ESPS240025-P5P, a normally open solid state powerrelay (NOR) (1) Teledyne Model Number: SH25D25, a current shunt monitorcircuit (CSMC) (3) Analog Devices Model Number: AD8212, a (0.2 Ohm)shunt resistor (4), two diodes (5,6) and a single output (9) Vout. TheCSMC (3) controls the state of the NOR (1). The state of the NOR (1)activates or deactivates the high power supply (7). The outputs of thelow power supply (2) and the high power supply (7) are connected to eachother with two diodes (5,6) in opposing directions at point A. The anodeof each diode is connected to its associated power supply and thecathodes of each of the diodes (5,6) are connected at point A. The shuntresistor (4) is connected in series between the diodes (5,6) at point Aand the AD (8) via the single output (9). The CSMC (3) monitors thedifference in voltage across the shunt resistor (4). The CSMC (3) isconnected in parallel to the shunt resistor (4). The high side input ofthe CSMC (3) is connected to the circuit between point A and the shuntresistor (4). The low side input of the CSMC (3) is connected to thecircuit between the shunt resistor (4) and the output of the powersupply (9). The output of the CSMC (3), control signal Vc, is equal toapproximately 1000 times the difference in voltage across the shuntresistor (4), Vdiff. The output of the CSMC (3) controls the operationof the NOR (1), Vc.

The embodiment initially operates in low power mode (LPM) when theembodiment is plugged into or attached to the main AC power source (11,12, 14, 15). The low power supply (2) is active whenever the embodimentis connected or attached to the main AC power source (100% of the timethe embodiment is active). In the LPM mode the AD (8) and the CSMC (3)are powered by the low power supply (2). The embodiment operates in LPMwhenever the AD (8) is in stand-by or sleep mode, off or disconnectedfrom the embodiment or whenever the AD (8) requires less than or equalto 200 mW. In the LPM mode the high power supply (7) is inactive becauseit is disconnected from the main AC power source by the NOR (1) in theopen state. The power mode is determined (12, 19) by the real time powerconsumption of the AD (8). The CSMC (3) monitors the power consumptionof the AD (8) by monitoring the current through the shunt resistor (4).The CSMC (3) monitors the output current level by measuring thedifference in voltage, Vdiff, between the two sides (high and low side)of the shunt resistor (4), Vdiff=Va−Vb (19). The value of the shuntresistor (4) is determined by the maximum power capability of the lowpower supply (2), in this embodiment the value of the shunt resistor (4)is 0.2 ohms. The value of the shunt resistor (4) is determined to besuch that the voltage drop, Vdiff, across the resistor (4) isapproximately 0.0030 volts when the power consumed by the AD (8) equals80% of the maximum power capability of the low power supply (2). In thisembodiment the maximum power capability of the low power supply (2) is250 mW. In this embodiment the CSMC (3) chosen provides a gain ofapproximately 1000 times the input voltage, Vdiff. In this embodimentthe CSMC (3) used is an Analog Devices integrated circuit, part numberAD8212. The output voltage of the CSMC (3) (Vc) will be approximately1000 times the input voltage, Vdiff. Therefore when the powerconsumption of the AD (8) is zero watts the output of the CSMC, Vc, willbe approximately zero volts. Hence when the power consumption of the AD(8) is 200 mW, 80% of the power capability of the low power supply (2),the output of the CSMC (3) (Vc) will be approximately 3.0V. The outputof the CSMC (3), Vc, is a direct reflection of the real time powerconsumption of the AD (8) as function of the current flow through theshunt resistor (4) to the AD (8).

The output voltage of the CSMC (3) (Vc) is connected to the controlinput of the NOR (1). In this embodiment the NOR (1) is a solid-staterelay with optical isolation, manufactured by Teledyne, model SH24D25.The NOR (1) is a normally open (NO) relay. When Vc is 2.9V or less theNOR (1) is in the open (circuit) mode. When the NOR (1) is in open modethe main AC power source is disconnected from the high power supply (7),deactivated. In this mode (low power mode, LPM) the low power supply (2)is supplying power to the CSMC (3) and the AD (8). When Vc is at orabove 3.0V the NOR (1) is in closed (circuit) mode. When the NOR (1) isin closed mode the main AC power source (AC power) is connected to theinput of the high power supply (7), via the NOR (1), which isclosed/energized. In this mode, high power mode (HPM), the high powersupply (7) is supplying power to the AD (8), via diode (6) and the shuntresistor (4).

The low power supply (2) and the high power supply (7) are connected tothe shunt resistor (4) at point A via diodes (5,6). The diodes (5,6)protect the power supplies from reverse current damage.

Therefore this embodiment operates as follows:

1) When this embodiment (see FIG. 3) is attached to the main powersource (11, 14, 15) the invention operates in LPM low power mode. Thelow power supply (2) is energized 100% of the time the embodiment isactive. The low power supply (2) also supplies power to the AD (8) whenthe embodiment is in LPM mode.

2) The real time power consumption of the AD (8) is monitored by theCSMC (3) via Vdiff. If the power consumption causes Vdiff to exceed0.0030V the current sensor output Vc, exceeds 3.0V. Vdiff equal to0.0030V is called the Low Power Threshold.

3) If Vc is equal to or greater than 3.0V, the NOR (1) is energized,connecting the main AC power source to the high power supply (7). Referto FIGS. 2 and 3 (12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24).

4) When the NOR (1) is energized the main AC power source energizes thehigh power supply (7). When the high power supply (7) is energized itsupplies power to the AD (8) via diode (6) and the shunt resistor (4)and Vout (9).

5) If the AD (8) reduces its power consumption such that Vdiff goesbelow 0.0030V, the output of the current sensor (3), Vc, goes below3.0V. When Vc goes below 3.0V, the power NOR (1) is de-energizeddisconnecting the main AC power source from the high power supply (7).When the high power supply (7) is de-energized the low power supply (2)provides power to the current sensor and the AD (8) via the shunt (4)and Vout (9). Refer to FIGS. 2 and 3 (10, 12, 19, 16, 17, 18).

If the AD (8) is consuming more than 200 mW, then the embodiment isoperating in HPM. The high power supply (7) provides power to the AD (8)via diode (6) and the shunt resistor (4). In HPM mode Vdiff is greaterthan or equal to 0.0030V (12, 13, 19, 16, 17, 18). In this mode the CSMC(3) continues to monitor Vdiff. If the real time power consumed by theAD (8) is reduced below the LPM threshold, Vdiff becomes less than0.0030V. This can occur if the AD (8) is disconnected from theembodiment or the AD (8) changes to a stand-by or low power consumptionmode. When this occurs the output of the CSMC (3), Vc, drops below 3.0V.When Vc is less than 3.0V the NOR (1) is de-energized. When the NOR (1)is de-energized the main AC power source is disconnected from the highpower supply (7) and the output voltage of the high power supply (7)becomes zero. Once the main AC power source is disconnected from thehigh power supply (7) the embodiment is in low power mode (LPM). In LPMthe low power supply (2) provides power to the AD (8) via diode (5) andshunt resistor (4) and provides power to operate the CSMC (3).

If the AD (8) is disconnected from the embodiment while the embodimentis in HPM mode, the embodiment changes to LPM. When the AD (8) isdisconnected from the embodiment no current flows through the shuntresistor (4). When Vdiff is zero, Vc will be zero, which causes the NOR(1) to be de-energized. When the NOR (1) is de-energized the high powersupply (7) is disconnected from the main AC power source. When the mainAC power source is disconnected from the high power supply (7) theembodiment is in LPM.

If the embodiment is unplugged or disconnected from the main AC powersource the embodiment will default to LPM when re-connected to the mainAC power source (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19). If the AD (8) requires theembodiment to be in HPM when the embodiment is connected to the main ACpower source the embodiment initially operates in LPM briefly until theCSMC (3) determines (12, 19) Vdiff is equal to or greater than 0.003V.Once Vdiff is greater than or equal to 0.003V the output of the CSMC (3)Vc, is greater or equal to 3.0V. When Vc is greater than or equal to3.0V the power relay, NOR (1) energizes and the high power supply (7) isactivated and the embodiment is in HPM mode.

The power consumption of an AD (8) varies based on its modes ofoperations. If the AD (8) is a laptop with a rechargeable battery thepower consumption of the AD (8) depends on a number of conditions. Theseconditions include the real time battery charge level (or percentage),laptop operational mode: on, off, standby or hibernate. Standby andhibernate modes are power consumption modes wherein the laptop reducesor turns-off components, such as display backlight, hard drive, etc. Inbattery charging mode either partially or completely discharged thelaptop (AD (8)) consumes maximum power and the embodiment is in HPM.When the laptop battery is fully charged the laptop will consume lessthan the maximum power consumption. In that mode the power supply mayoperate in LPM. As the AD (8) changes modes or battery charge conditionsthe embodiment changes modes from LPM to HPM or HPM to LPM as the realtime power consumptions changes.

Second Embodiment (Microprocessor Controlled with Battery or UltraCapacitor)

This embodiment (see FIG. 4) is a power supply or battery chargingsystem comprising two power supplies, low power and high power. The lowpower supply is designed to supply the minimum possible powerrequirement of the AD (33). The high power supply is designed to supplythe maximum power requirement of the AD (33). The high power supply isturned on or off based on the real time power consumption of the AD(33). The power consumption of the AD (33) is monitored by a currentshunt monitoring circuit (CSMC) (27) and an Automation Controller (AC)(38). The AC (38) contains a microprocessor or microcontroller,input/output (I/O) interfaces and memory (39) that contains theautomation program. The AC (38) provides the control signal to activatethe high power supply (31), low power supply (26) and the charging unit(34) depending on the required operating mode.

The embodiment is of a power supply and/or battery charger (PS/BC)system used to power associated devices AD (33) with power consumptioncharacteristics that include high power consumption (1% to 50% of thetime) and low power consumption (50%-99% of the time) or off. Thisembodiment is a design to power a rechargeable laptop computer. Theexact ratio of time the AD (33) requires high power versus low power isnot critical.

The embodiment discussed herein comprises a power supply or batterycharger (PS/BC) designed to minimize the power consumption of itselfduring the times the AD (33) is disconnected, in stand-by, sleep mode oroff. FIG. 4 shows a power supply or battery charger (PS/BC) inaccordance with the embodiment described below.

The embodiment switches among 3 modes: off, low power mode (LPM) andhigh power mode (HPM) depending on the real time power consumptionrequirements of the AD (33). The power consumption of the AD (33) variesbased on the following conditions: stand-by or sleep (reduced powerconsumption) mode, turned off, battery charging mode, disconnected ornormal active mode (on). The following description is of the embodimentof a laptop power supply. In the description the AD (33) represents alaptop computer.

This embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 4, includes a high power supply(31) Manufacturer: Dell Model Number: ADP-70EB and a low power supply(26) Manufacturer: CUI Inc., Model Number: ESPS240025-P5P, two normallyclosed, NC, power relays (NCR) (25, 35) Omron Model Number:G6C-2114P-US-DC5, a current shunt monitor circuit (CSMC) (27) AnalogDevices Model Number: AD8212, a (0.2 Ohm) shunt resistor (28), threediodes (29, 30, 37), Charging Unit (CU) (34), a battery (or ultracapacitor) (36), an Automation Controller (38) and a single output (32)Vout. The Automation Controller, AC (38), controls the state of therelays (25, 35). The state of the NC (normally closed) relay (25)activates or deactivates the high power supply (31). The state of theNCR (35) activates or deactivates the low power supply (26) and thecharging unit (34), simultaneously. The embodiment is designed tooperate in high power mode if the battery fails. In this embodiment theterms battery {as part of the embodiment} and ultra capacitor areconsidered interchangeable because they perform the same function. Theprogram/automation instructions are contained in the non-volatile memoryunit (39) within the AC (38). The software code of the AC (38)instructions are not included here.

The outputs of the low power supply (26) and the high power supply (31)are connected to each other with 2 diodes (29, 30) in opposingdirections at point A. The anode of each diode (29, 30) is connected toits associated power supply and the cathodes of each of the diodes (29,30) are connected at point A. The positive terminal of the battery (36)is connected to the circuit at point B via diode (37). The positiveterminal of the battery is also connected to the AC (38). The shuntresistor (28) is connected in series between the diodes (29, 30) atpoint A and the AD (33) via the single output (32).

The Charging Unit (34) is connected directly to the battery (or ultracapacitor) (36). Its function is to charge the battery or ultracapacitor. The CU (34) is activated when the NCR (35) is de-energized bythe AC (38). This occurs when the AC (38) determines that the battery orultra capacitor (36) requires re-charging. It also occurs whenever theembodiment is in low power mode (LPM).

The battery (36) supplies the power to the CSMC (27) and the AC (38)when the power supply is in off mode. When in off mode the embodimentuses power from the main power AC supply (wall) only to re-charge thebattery (36) as necessary.

The normally closed relay (NCR) (35) is controlled by the automationcontroller, AC (38). One side of the relay is connected to the mainpower AC supply. The other side of the relay is connected to the CU (34)and the low power supply (26) at point C. The control/energizing inputto the normally closed relay, NCR (35) is connected to the AC (38).

The NCR (25) is controlled by the AC (38). One side of the relay isconnected to the main power AC supply. The other side of the relay isconnected to the high power supply (31). The control/energizing input tothe NCR (25) is connected to the AC (38).

The CSMC (27) is powered by the low power supply (26) whenever the NCR(35) is de-energized by the AC (38). The CSMC (27) is powered by thebattery (36) whenever the relay (35) is energized by the AC (38). TheCSMC (27) monitors the difference in voltage, Vdiff, across the shuntresistor (28). The CSMC (27) is connected in parallel to the shuntresistor (28). The high side input of the CSMC (27) is connected to thecircuit between point A and the shunt resistor (28). The low side inputof the CSMC (27) is connected to the circuit between the shunt resistor(28) and the output of the power supply (32). The output of the CSMC(27), control signal Vc, is equal to approximately 1000 times thedifference in voltage across the shunt resistor (28), Vdiff. The outputof the CSMC (27) is connected to a monitor input of the AC (38).

The embodiment initially operates in high power mode when the embodimentis plugged into or attached to the main power source (40, 42). Whenpower is initially applied to the embodiment the battery charging beginsand the AC (38) determines the proper mode of operation (off, LPM orHPM) (43). In off mode the battery (36) supplies power to the AC (38),if the battery (36) is charged (43, 44, 45, 46)—see FIG. 5. If thebattery (36) is discharged below a pre-defined level the AC (38)switches (43, 44, 45, 47) the embodiment into low power mode. In lowpower mode the low power supply (26) and the charging unit (34) areactive. Additionally the embodiment is in LPM whenever the battery (36)needs to be recharged or when the AD (33) is connected and consumes lesspower than the maximum power supply capability of the low power supply(26). In the LPM mode the AD (33), the AC (38) and the CSMC (27) arepowered by the low power supply (26).

The embodiment operates in off mode when the associated device AD (33)is disconnected from the embodiment or turned off (requires no power).In the off mode the AC (38) is powered by the battery (36). If thebattery (36) charge drops below a pre-defined level the AC (38)de-energizes the normally closed relay (NCR) (35) to activate thecharging unit (34) and low power DC power supply (26). When the NCR (35)is de-energized the embodiment is in low power mode (LPM). See FIG. 5(43, 44, 45, 46, 47).

The embodiment operates in LPM when the NCR (35) is de-energized. In LPMthe charging unit (34) charges the battery (36). In LPM the low powersupply (26) supplies power to the AC (38) and the AD (33), if connected,and the AD (33) requires power.

The embodiment operates in high power mode (HPM) when the NCR (25) isde-energized. The embodiment operates in HPM when the AD (33) requiresmore power than the low power supply (26) can provide. See FIG. 5 (43,41).

The operating instructions for the AC (38) reside in its memory unit(39). The AC (38) monitors the output of the CSMC (27), provides thecontrol signal for the NC relay (25), monitors the voltage of thebattery (36) and provides the control signal for the NC relay (35). TheAC (38) de-activates relay (25) when the AD (33) is on and requires thehigh power mode. The AC (38) de-activates the NCR (35) when the battery(36) requires re-charging or the AD (33) requires less than or equal to200 mW or both the battery (36) requires re-charging and the AD (33)requires less than or equal to 200 mW.

The embodiment operates in LPM whenever the AD (33) requires less thanor equal to 200 mW. In the LPM mode the high power supply (31) isinactive because it is disconnected from the main power source by therelay, NCR (25) in the open state. The power mode is chosen by the AC(38) based on the real time power consumption of the AD (33). The CSMC(27) monitors the power consumption of the AD (33) by monitoring thecurrent through the shunt resistor (28). The CSMC (27) monitors theoutput current level by measuring the difference in voltage, Vdiffbetween the two sides (high and low side) of the shunt resistor (28),Vdiff=Va−Vb. The value of the shunt resistor (28) is determined by themaximum power capability of the low power supply (26), in thisembodiment the value of the shunt resistor is 0.2 Ohms. The value of theshunt resistor (28) is determined to be such that the voltage drop,Vdiff, across the shunt resistor (28) is approximately 0.0030 volts whenthe power consumed by the AD (33) equals 80% of the maximum powercapability of the low power supply (26). In this embodiment of theinvention the maximum power capability of the low power supply (26) is250 mW. In this embodiment of the invention the CSMC (27) chosenprovides a gain of approximately 1000 times the input voltage, Vdiff. Inthis embodiment the CSMC (27) used is an Analog Devices integratedcircuit, part number AD8212. The output voltage of the CSMC (27) (Vc)will be approximately 1000 times the input voltage, Vdiff. Thereforewhen the power consumption of the AD (33) is zero watts the output ofthe CSMC (27), Vc, will be approximately zero volts. Hence when thepower consumption of the AD (33) is 200 mW, 80% of the power capabilityof the low power supply (26), the output of the CSMC (27) (Vc) will beapproximately 3V. The output of the CSMC (27), Vc, is a directreflection of the real time power consumption of the associated deviceAD (33) as a function of the current flow through the shunt resistor(28) to the AD (33).

Therefore this embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, operates asfollows:

1) The automation controller (AC) (38) controls the operating mode ofthe embodiment. The AC (38) determines the operating mode by monitoringthe power consumption of the AD (33) utilizing the output voltage of thecurrent sensing monitor circuit (CSMC) (27) as an input signal. The AC(38) also monitors the battery charge level via a second input. See FIG.5 for a flowchart of the operation of this embodiment.

2) The embodiment operates in high power mode when the embodiment isinitially plugged into or attached to the main power source. When poweris initially applied to the embodiment the battery (36) charging beginsand the AC (38) determines (43, 44, 45) the proper mode of operation(off, LPM or HPM). Since the battery (36) has never been charged theembodiment will activate (47) the low power supply (26) and the chargingunit (34), until the battery (36) is charged. The low power supply (26)and the charging unit (34) are activated when the AC (33) de-activatesthe normally closed relay, NCR (35). If the AD (33) is attached to theembodiment and the AD (33) is off or in an operational mode thatconsumes power at a level that the low power supply (26) can supply theneeded power (in this embodiment 200 mW), the embodiment switches to lowpower mode, LPM. If the AD (33) is attached to the embodiment and the AD(33) in an operational mode that consumes power at a level that the lowpower supply (26) cannot supply (greater than 80% of the maximum powerrating for the low power supply (26)) the embodiment remains (41) inHPM. In low power mode the low power supply (26) and the charging unit(34) are active. In LPM mode the AD (33), the AC (38) and the CSMC (27)are powered by the low power supply (26). In HPM the AD (33) and AC (38)and the CSMC (27) are powered by the high power supply (31).

Once the battery (36) is initially charged the embodiment will operatein either of its operating modes, off, LPM or HPM by monitoring theoutput of the CSMC (27). When the output of the CSMC (27) goes to zerofor a pre-defined period (based on the intended use of the embodiment)the AC (38) switches (46) the embodiment to off mode. When the output ofthe CSMC (27), Vc, is greater than zero volts and less than 3.0V the AC(38) switches (47) the embodiment to low power mode, LPM.

3) The real time power consumption of the AD (33) is monitored by theCSMC (27) and the AC (38). When the power consumption of the AD (33)causes Vdiff to exceed 0.003V the current sensor output Vc, exceeds 3V.Vdiff equal to 0.003V is called the Low Power Threshold (43).

4) If Vc is equal to or greater than 3V, the AC (38) de-energizes thenormally closed relay (NCR) (25), connecting the main power source tothe high power supply (31). When NCR (25) is de-energized the embodimentis in high power mode (HPM). When the NCR (25) is de-energized, the mainpower source energizes the high power supply (31). When the high powersupply (31) is energized it supplies power to the AD (33), CSMC (27) andAC (38) via diode (30). This will occur when the AD (33) consumes morepower than 80% of the power rating of the low power supply (26). In thisembodiment the power rating of the low power supply (26) is 250 mW.

In HPM the AC (38) monitors the battery (36) charge level. If thebattery (36) is discharged the AC (38) will de-energize the normallyclosed relay, NCR, (35). When the NCR (35) is de-energized the chargingunit, CU (34) and the low power supply (26) are energized. The CU (34)will charge the battery (36) until fully charged (45). Once the battery(36) is fully charged the AC (38) will energize the NCR (35) tode-activate the CU (34) and the low power supply (26), while in HPM.

5) If Vc is less than 3V and greater than zero (0) volts, the AC (38)de-energizes (closes) the normally closed relay, NCR (35) placing theembodiment in low power mode, LPM. In LPM the AC (38) energizes NCR(25). When NCR (25) is energized the high power supply (31) isdisconnected from the main power source and is de-activated. When thehigh power supply is de-energized the low power supply (26) providespower to the CSMC (27), the AC (38) and the AD (33). This will occur ifthe AD (33) is in stand-by or low power consumption mode.

6) If Vc is equal to zero volts, the AC (38) energizes the NCRs (25 and35), placing the embodiment in off mode (46). When the AD (33) isdisconnected from the embodiment or turned off the power consumptionbecomes zero. When the power consumption of the AD (33) is zero thecurrent through the shunt resistor (28) is zero. When the currentthrough the shunt resistor (28) is zero, Vdiff will be zero. When Vdiffis zero, Vc will be zero. If the battery (36) is charged (45) and Vcbecomes zero volts while the embodiment is in HPM or LPM mode, theembodiment changes to off mode. If the battery (36) requires chargingand Vc becomes zero volts while the embodiment is in HPM mode, theembodiment changes (47) to LPM. If the battery (36) requires chargingand Vc becomes zero volts while the embodiment is in LPM the embodimentwill remain in LPM until the battery (36) is charged. If Vc is zero,when the battery (36) charging is complete the embodiment will change tooff mode.

7) If the embodiment is unplugged or disconnected from the main powersource the embodiment will default to LPM when re-connected to the mainpower source if the battery is not fully depleted. If the AD (33)requires the embodiment to be in HPM when the embodiment is connected tothe main power source the embodiment initially operates in LPM brieflyuntil AC (38) determines Vc is greater than or equal to 3V. When Vc isgreater than or equal to 3V the AC (38) energizes NCR (25). When NCR(25) is de-energized the high power supply (31) is activated and theembodiment is in HPM mode.

8) The embodiment will operate in either LPM or HPM if the battery failsor becomes fully depleted depending on the power consumption of the AD(33).

The power consumption of an AD (33) varies based on its modes ofoperations. If the AD (33) is a laptop with a rechargeable battery thepower consumption of the AD (33) depends on a number of conditions.These conditions include the real time battery charge level (orpercentage), laptop operational mode: on, off, standby or hibernate.Standby and hibernate modes are power consumption modes wherein thelaptop reduces or turns-off components, such as display backlight, harddrive, etc. In battery charging mode, when the laptop battery is eitherpartially or completely discharged, the laptop (AD (33)) consumesmaximum power and the embodiment is in HPM. When the laptop battery isfully charged the laptop will consume less than the maximum powerconsumption. In that mode the embodiment may operate in LPM. As the AD(33) changes modes or battery charge level the embodiment changes modesamong off (46), LPM (47) or HPM (41) as the real time power consumptionof the laptop (AD (33)) changes.

In this embodiment the normally closed relay maybe replaced withnormally open relays based on the requirements of the intended use.

The system can also be embodied as a power supply for a flat panel TV.This embodiment is utilized to reduce the power consumption of the TVwhen turned off. Flat panel TVs consume power when turned off, typically0.4 to 3 W. This embodiment incorporates the same power supply utilizedby the flat panel TV as the high power supply. The embodiment includesthe low power supply (26) and the other components in the sameconfiguration as either of the previous embodiments. In this embodimentthe power supply power consumption in off mode is reduced up to 100%from the typical power consumption in off mode.

This system is described in [three additional embodiments to illustratethree additional possible implementations to the two originalembodiments described in the original U.S. Pat. No. 7,843,088.

Third Embodiment

The following embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 6, is of a power supplyand/or battery charger (PS/BC) system used to power associated devices(55) (AD) with power consumption characteristics that include low powerconsumption (50% to 99% of the time) and high power consumption (1%-50%of the time). The third embodiment operating flow charts are depicted inFIGS. 7 and 8. This embodiment is a design to power a rechargeablelaptop computer that includes a low power or standby type mode, oranother device such as a television. The exact ratio of time the AD (55)requires high power versus low power is not critical. This embodimentincludes a control signal from the AD (57) that can be used to controlthe activation of the high power supply.

The embodiment discussed herein includes a power supply or batterycharger (PS/BC) designed to minimize the power consumption of itselfduring the times the AD (55) is disconnected, in stand-by, sleep mode oroff, or when control signal (57) is activated. FIG. 6 shows a powersupply or battery charger (PS/BC) in accordance with this embodiment.

The embodiment switches between a low power mode (LPM) and high powermode (HPM) depending on the real time power consumption requirements ofthe AD (55) or the state of the AD Control Signal (57). The logicaldetermination is identified in FIGS. 7 and 8 as (62) and (66). In thisembodiment a control signal from the AD may also be used to determinethe mode of operation. The control signal (57) can be a signal from atelevision to turn the television off or to a standby mode as indicatedby a hand held remote control. The power consumption of the AD (55)varies based on the following conditions: stand-by or sleep (reducedpower consumption) mode, turned off, battery charging mode, disconnectedor normal active mode (on).

This embodiment comprises one high power supply (54) Manufacturer: DellModel Number: ADP-70EB and one low power supply (49) Manufacturer: CUIInc., Model Number: ESPS240025-P5P, one normally open solid state powerrelay (NOR) (48) Teledyne Model Number: SH25D25, one current shuntmonitor circuit (CSMC) (50) Analog Devices Model Number: AD8262, one(0.2 Ohm) shunt resistor (51), two diodes (52, 53), a Control SignalMonitor (59) and a single output (56) Vout. The Control Signal Monitor(CSM) (59) consists of an OR gate with inputs from the CMSC (50) Vc1 andAD Control Signal (57) and output Vc2 (58). In some circumstances theCSM (59) may need logic, such as a flip-flop, to lock-in or hold thecontrol signal (57). The CSM (59) controls the state of the NOR (48).The state of the NOR (48) activates or deactivates the high power supply(54). The outputs of the low power supply (49) and the high power supply(54) are connected to each other with two diodes (52, 53) in opposingdirections at point A. The anode of each diode is connected to itsassociated power supply and the cathodes of each of the diodes (52, 53)are connected at point A. The shunt resistor (51) is connected in seriesbetween the diodes (52, 53) at point A and the AD (55) via the singleoutput Vout (56). The output (56) may power the lower and high powermodes of AD (55). The CSMC (50) monitors the difference in voltageacross the shunt resistor (51). The CSMC (50) is connected in parallelto the shunt resistor (51). The high side input of the CSMC (50) isconnected to the circuit between point A and the shunt resistor (51).The low side input of the CSMC (50) is connected to the circuit betweenthe shunt resistor (51) and the output of the power supply (56). Theoutput of the CSMC (50), control signal Vc1, is equal to approximately1000 times the difference in voltage across the shunt resistor (51),Vdiff. The output of the CSMC (50) Vc1 is one of the inputs to the CSM(59). The second input to the CSM (59) is a control signal (57) from theAD (55). The AD (55) activates the control signal (57) when the AD (55)requires the embodiment to be in HPM. The AD (55) de-activates thecontrol signal (57) when the AD (55) does not need the embodiment to bein HPM. The CSM (59) controls the operation of the NOR (48), using Vc2(58) as a control signal. The CSM (59) activates (closes) the NOR (48)when either the AD Control Signal (57) is present or Vc1 signal ispresent at or above a pre-defined level, 3 volts in this embodiment. Ifneither signal is present the CSM (59) output signal Vc2 (58) isde-activated, which deactivates the NOR (48).

The embodiment initially operates in low power mode (LPM) when theembodiment is plugged into or attached to the main AC power source (60,62, 64, 65). The low power supply (49) is active whenever the embodimentis connected or attached to the main AC power source. In the LPM modethe AD (55) and the CSMC (50) are powered by the low power supply (49).The low power supply (49) may also include a direct connection to the AD(55) that may be used to power low power consumption circuits, such as atelevision handheld remote control monitor circuit. The embodimentoperates in LPM whenever the AD (55) is in stand-by or sleep mode, offor disconnected from the AD (55) or whenever the AD (55) requires lessthan or equal to 200 mW or when the control signal (57) is activated. Inthe LPM mode the high power supply (54) is inactive because it isdisconnected from the main AC power source by the NOR (48) in the openstate. The power mode is determined (62, 66) by the real time powerconsumption of the AD (55) and the AD Control Signal (57). The CSMC (50)monitors the power consumption of the AD (55) by monitoring the currentthrough the shunt resistor (51). The CSMC (50) monitors the outputcurrent level by measuring the difference in voltage, Vdiff, between thetwo sides (high and low side) of the shunt resistor (51), Vdiff=Va−Vb(66). The value of the shunt resistor (51) is determined by the maximumpower capability of the low power supply (49), in this embodiment thevalue of the shunt resistor (51) is 0.2 ohms. The value of the shuntresistor (51) is determined to be such that the voltage drop, Vdiff,across the shunt resistor (51) is approximately 0.0030 volts when thepower consumed by the AD (55) equals 80% of the maximum power capabilityof the low power supply (49). In this embodiment the maximum powercapability of the low power supply (49) is 250 mW. In this embodimentthe CSMC (50) chosen provides a gain of approximately 1000 times theinput voltage, Vdiff. In this embodiment the CSMC (50) used is an AnalogDevices integrated circuit, part number AD8262. The output voltage ofthe CSMC (50) (Vc1) will be approximately 1000 times the input voltage,Vdiff. Therefore when the power consumption of the AD (55) is zero wattsthe output of the CSMC (50), Vc1, will be approximately zero volts.Hence when the power consumption of the AD (55) is 200 mW, 80% of thepower capability of the low power supply (49), the output of the CSMC(50) (Vc1) will be approximately 3.0V. The output of the CSMC (50), Vc1,is a direct reflection of the real time power consumption of the AD (55)as function of the current flow through the shunt resistor (51) to theAD (55).

The output voltage of the CSMC (50) (Vc1) is connected to one of the 2inputs of the CSM (59). The CSM (59) can be an OR gate with two inputs,Vc1 and the AD Control Signal (57) or may also include lock-in logic onthe input for the control signal (57). The output of the CSM (59) is Vc2(58). When Vc2 is present the NOR (48) is activated and the high powersupply (54) is activated. In this embodiment the NOR (48) is asolid-state relay with optical isolation, manufactured by Teledyne,model SH24D25. The NOR (48) is a normally open (NO) relay. When Vc2 is2.9V or less the NOR (48) is in the open (circuit) mode. When the NOR(48) is in open mode the main AC power source is disconnected from thehigh power supply (54), deactivated. In this mode (low power mode, LPM)the low power supply (49) is supplying power to the CSMC (50) and the AD(55). When Vc2 is at or above 3.0V the NOR (48) is in closed (circuit)mode. When the NOR (48) is in closed mode the main AC power source (ACpower) is connected to the input of the high power supply (54), via theNOR (48), which is closed/energized. In this mode, high power mode(HPM), the high power supply (54) is supplying power to the AD (55), viadiode (53) and the shunt resistor (51).

The low power supply (49) and the high power supply (54) are connectedto the shunt resistor (51) at point A via diodes (52, 53). The diodes(52, 53) protect the power supplies from reverse current damage.

Therefore the embodiment operates as follows:

1) When the invention is attached to the main power source (60, 64, 65)the invention operates in LPM low power mode. The low power supply (49)is energized 100% of the time the embodiment is connected to the mainpower source. The low power supply (49) also supplies power to the AD(55) when the embodiment is in LPM mode.

2) The real time power consumption of the AD (55) is monitored by theCSMC (50) via Vdiff. If the power consumption causes Vdiff to exceed0.0030V the current sensor output Vc1, exceeds 3.0V. Vdiff equal to0.0030V is called the Low Power Threshold.

3) The state of the AD Control Signal (57) is monitored via the CSM (59)(62, 66). If the control signal (57) is present the signal Vc2 (58) ispresent. If an “on” signal from a television remote control circuit ison the control signal (57) is on or present. Likewise, when a remotecontrol circuit in a television produces a “standby” signal the controlsignal is off or not present.

4) The state of Vc1 is also monitored by the CSM (59) (62, 66). If Vc1is equal or greater than 3.0V, the signal Vc2 (58) is present.

5) The NOR (48) is energized, whenever Vc2 (58) is present. When the NOR(48) is energized the main AC power source energizes the high powersupply (54). Refer to FIGS. 7 and 8 (62, 61, 66, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73).

6) When the NOR (48) is energized the main AC power source energizes thehigh power supply (54). When the high power supply (54) is energized itsupplies power to the AD (55) via diode (53) and the shunt resistor (51)and Vout (56).

7) If the AD (55) reduces its power consumption such that Vdiff goesbelow 0.0030V, the output of the current sensor (50), Vc1, goes below3.0V. When Vc1 goes below 3.0V, the CSM (59) will not accept the signal.If the AD (55) also de-activates the AD Control Signal (57) with Vc1less than 3.0 volts the CSM de-energizes Vc2. If Vc2 is de-energized theNOR (48) is de-energized disconnecting the main AC power source from thehigh power supply (54). When the high power supply (54) is de-energizedthe low power supply (49) provides power to the current sensor and theAD (55) via the shunt resistor (51) and Vout (56). Refer to FIGS. 7 and8 (61, 62, 63, 66, 67, 68).

If the AD (55) is consuming more than 200 mW when the embodiment isoperating in HPM. The high power supply (54) provides power to the AD(55) via diode (53) and the shunt resistor (51). In high power mode(HPM) Vdiff is greater than or equal to 0.0030V (62, 61, 66, 69, 70, 71,72, 73). In this mode the CSMC (50) continues to monitor Vdiff. If thereal time power consumed by the AD (55) is reduced below the LPMthreshold, Vdiff becomes less than 0.0030V. This can occur if the AD(55) is disconnected from the embodiment or the AD (55) changes to astand-by or low power consumption mode. When this occurs the output ofthe CSMC (50), Vc, drops below 3.0V. When Vc is less than 3.0V the CSM(59) does not accept the signal. If simultaneously the AD Control Signal(57) is also de-activated the CSM (59) de-energizes the Vc2 (58) signaland the NOR (48) is de-energized. If Vc1 becomes less than 3.0 volts andthe AD Control Signal (57) remains active, Vc2 remains energized and theembodiment will remain in HPM. If the AD Control Signal (57) isdeactivated and Vc1 remains at greater than or equal to 3.0 volts theembodiment will remain in HPM mode. When the NOR (48) is de-energizedthe main AC power source is disconnected from the high power supply (54)and the output voltage of the high power supply (54) becomes zero. Oncethe main AC power source is disconnected from the high power supply (54)the embodiment is in low power mode (LPM). In LPM the low power supply(49) provides power to the AD (55) via diode (52) and shunt resistor(51) and provides power to operate the CSMC (50).

If the AD (55) is disconnected from the embodiment while the embodimentis in HPM mode, the embodiment changes to LPM. When the AD (55) isdisconnected from the embodiment no current flows through the shuntresistor (51) and the AD Control Signal (57) is not present. When Vdiffis zero, Vc1 will be zero. If simultaneously, the AD Control Signal (57)is not present the CSM (59) will de-energize Vc2 which causes the NOR(48) to be de-energized. When the NOR (48) is de-energized the highpower supply (54) is disconnected from the main AC power source. Whenthe main AC power source is disconnected from the high power supply (54)the embodiment is in LPM.

If the embodiment is unplugged or disconnected from the main AC powersource the embodiment will default to LPM when re-connected to the mainAC power source (60, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66). If the AD (55) requires theembodiment to be in HPM when the embodiment is connected to the main ACpower source the embodiment initially operates in LPM briefly until theCSMC (50) determines (62, 66) Vdiff is equal to or greater than 0.003Vor the CSM (59) determines whether the control signal 57 is present.Once Vdiff is greater than or equal to 0.003V the output of the CSM (50)Vc, is greater or equal to 3.0V. When Vc is greater than or equal to3.0V the CSM (59) energizes Vc2. When Vc2 is energized, the power relay,NOR (48) energizes and the high power supply (54) is activated and theembodiment is in HPM mode.

The power consumption of an AD (55) varies based on its modes ofoperations. If the AD (55) is a laptop with a rechargeable battery thepower consumption of the AD (55) depends on a number of conditions.These conditions include the real time battery charge level (orpercentage), laptop operational mode: on, off, standby or hibernate.Standby and hibernate modes are power consumption modes wherein thelaptop reduces or turns-off components, such as display backlight, harddrive, etc. In battery charging mode, either partially or completelydischarged, the laptop (AD (55)) consumes maximum power and theembodiment is in HPM. When the laptop battery is fully charged thelaptop will consume less than the maximum power consumption. In thatmode the power supply may operate in LPM. As the AD (55) changes modesor battery charge conditions the embodiment changes modes from LPM toHPM or HPM to LPM as the real time power consumptions changes.

Note, because of the direct connection between supply (49) and device(55) low power may be supplied to device (55) constantly.

Fourth Embodiment (Microprocessor Controlled with Battery or UltraCapacitor)

The embodiment is a power supply or battery charging system comprisingtwo power supplies, low power and high power (see FIG. 9). The low powersupply is designed to supply the minimum power requirement of the AD(78). The high power supply is designed to supply the maximum powerrequirement of the AD (78). The high power supply is turned on or offbased on the real time power consumption of the AD (78) or the controlsignal (84). The control signal (84) may be a signal from a televisionremote control monitor circuit. The power consumption of the AD (78) ismonitored by a current shunt monitoring circuit (CSMC) (89) and anAutomation Controller (AC) (85). The AC (85) contains a microprocessor,input/output (I/O) interfaces and memory (86) that contains theautomation program. The AC (85) provides the control signals to activatethe high power supply (76), low power supply (74) and the charging unit(79) depending on the required operating mode.

The embodiment is of a power supply and/or battery charger (PS/BC)system used to power associated devices AD (78) with power consumptioncharacteristics that include high power consumption (1% to 50% of thetime) and low power consumption (50%-99% of the time) or off. Thisembodiment is a design to power a rechargeable laptop computer oranother device that includes a low power or standby type mode, such as atelevision. The exact ratio of time the AD (78) requires high powerversus low power is not critical.

The embodiments discussed herein comprises a power supply or batterycharger (PS/BC) designed to minimize the power consumption of itselfduring the times the AD (78) is disconnected, in stand-by, sleep mode oroff or a control signal is active. FIG. 9 shows a power supply orbattery charger (PS/BC) in accordance with the embodiment describedbelow.

The embodiment switches among 3 modes: off, low power mode (LPM) andhigh power mode (HPM) depending on the real time power consumptionrequirements of the AD (78). The power consumption of the AD (78) variesbased on the following conditions: stand-by or sleep (reduced powerconsumption) mode, turned off, battery charging mode, disconnected ornormal active mode (on).

This embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 9, includes 1 high power supply(76) Manufacturer: Dell Model Number: ADP-70EB and 1 low power supply(74) Manufacturer: CUI Inc., Model Number: ESPS240025-P5P, 2 normallyclosed, NC, power relays (NCR) (87, 80) Omron Model Number:G6C-2604P-US-DC5, 1 current shunt monitor circuit (CSMC) (89) AnalogDevices Model Number: AD8262, 1 (0.2 Ohm) shunt resistor (77), 3 diodes(75, 82, 83), Charging Unit (CU) (79), 1 battery (or ultra capacitor)(81), 1 Automation Controller (85), an AD Control Signal (84) and asingle output (88) Vout. The Automation Controller, AC (85), controlsthe state of the relays (80, 87). The state of the NCR (87) activates ordeactivates the high power supply (76). The state of the NCR (80)activates or deactivates the low power supply (74) and the charging unit(79), simultaneously. The low power supply (74) may be connecteddirectly to the AD (78) to power low power circuits that need to be onall of the time such as a hand held remote control monitor circuit for atelevision. The embodiment is designed to operate in high power mode ifthe battery (81) fails. In this embodiment the terms battery {as part ofthe embodiment} and ultra capacitor are considered interchangeablebecause they perform the same function. The program/automationinstructions are contained in the non-volatile memory unit (86) withinthe AC (85). The software code of the AC (85) instructions are notincluded here.

The outputs of the low power supply (74) and the high power supply (76)are connected to each other with 2 diodes (75, 83) in opposingdirections at point A. The anode of each diode (75, 83) is connected toits associated power supply and the cathodes of each of the diodes (75,83) are connected at point A. The positive terminal of the battery (81)is connected to the circuit at point B via diode (82). The positiveterminal of the battery is also connected to the AC (85). The shuntresistor (77) is connected in series between the diodes (75, 83) atpoint A and the AD (78) via the single output (88).

The Charging Unit, CU, (79) is connected directly to the battery (orultra capacitor) (81). Its function is to charge the battery or ultracapacitor. The CU (79) is activated when the NCR (80) is de-energized bythe AC (85). This occurs when the AC (85) determines that the battery orultra capacitor (81) requires re-charging. It also occurs whenever theembodiment is in low power mode (LPM).

The battery (81) supplies the power to the CSMC (89) and the AC (85)when the power supply is in off mode. When in off mode the embodimentuses power from the main power AC supply (wall) only to re-charge thebattery (81) as necessary.

The normally closed relay (NCR) (80) is controlled by the automationcontroller, AC (85). One side of the relay is connected to the mainpower AC supply. The other side of the relay is connected to the CU (79)and the low power supply (74) at point C. The control/energizing inputto the normally closed relay, NCR (80) is connected to the AC (85).

The NCR (87) is controlled by the AC (85). One side of the relay isconnected to the main power AC supply. The other side of the relay isconnected to the high power supply (76). The control/energizing input tothe NCR (87) is connected to the AC (85).

The CSMC (89) is powered by the low power supply (74) whenever the NCR(80) is de-energized by the AC (85). The CSMC (89) is powered by thebattery (81) whenever the relay (80) is energized by the AC (85). TheCSMC (89) monitors the difference in voltage, Vdiff, across the shuntresistor (77). The CSMC (89) is connected in parallel to the shuntresistor (77). The high side input of the CSMC (89) is connected to thecircuit between point A and the shunt resistor (77). The low side inputof the CSMC (89) is connected to the circuit between the shunt resistor(77) and the output of the power supply (88). The output (88) may supplyAD (78) with power during both the low and high power modes. The outputof the CSMC (89), control signal Vc, is equal to approximately 1000times the difference in voltage across the shunt resistor (77), Vdiff.The output of the CSMC (89), Vc, is connected to a monitor input of theAC (85).

The embodiment initially operates in high power mode when the embodimentis plugged into or attached to the main power source (95, 97), FIG. 10.When power is initially applied to the embodiment the battery chargingbegins and the AC (85) determines the proper mode of operation (off, LPMor HPM) (90). In off mode the battery (81) supplies power to the AC(85), if the battery (81) is charged (90, 91, 92, 94). If the battery(81) is discharged below a pre-defined level the AC (85) switches (90,91, 92, 93) the embodiment into low power mode. In low power mode thelow power supply (74) and the charging unit (79) are active.Additionally the embodiment is in LPM whenever the battery (81) needs tobe recharged or when the AD (78) is connected and consumes less powerthan the maximum power supply capability of the low power supply (74).In the LPM mode the AD (78), the AC (85) and the CSMC (89) are poweredby the low power supply (74).

The embodiment operates in off mode when the associated device AD (78)is disconnected from the embodiment or turned off (requires no power).In the off mode the AC (85) is powered by the battery (81). If thebattery (81) charge drops below a pre-defined level the AC (85)de-energizes the normally closed relay (NCR) (80) to activate thecharging unit (79) and low power DC power supply (74). When the NCR (80)is de-energized the embodiment is in low power mode (LPM). Described inFIG. 9 (90, 91, 92, 93, 94).

The embodiment operates in LPM when the NCR (80) is de-energized. In LPMthe charging unit (79) charges the battery (81). In LPM the low powersupply (74) supplies power to the AC (85) and the AD (78), if connected,and the AD (78) requires power.

The embodiment operates in high power mode (HPM) when the NCR (87) isde-energized. The embodiment operates in HPM when the AD (78) requiresmore power than the low power supply (74) can provide or the AD ControlSignal (84) is present as described in FIG. 10 (90, 96).

The operating instructions for the AC (85) reside in its memory unit(86). The AC (85) monitors the output of the CSMC (89) and the ADControl Signal (84), provides the control signal for the NCR relay (87),monitors the voltage of the battery (81) and provides the control signalfor the NCR relay (80). The AC (85) de-activates (closes) relay (87)when the AD Control Signal (84) is present or the AD (78) is consumingmore power than 200 mW, indicating the AD (78) requires the high powermode. The AC (85) de-activates (closes) the NCR (80) when the battery(81) requires re-charging or the AD (78) requires less than or equal to200 mW or both the battery (81) requires re-charging and the AD (78)requires less than or equal to 200 mW.

The embodiment operates in LPM whenever the AD (78) is connected andconsuming more than zero watts and less than or equal to 200 mW and theAD Control Signal (84) is not active. In the LPM mode the high powersupply (76) is inactive because it is disconnected from the main powersource by the relay, NCR (87) in the open state. The power mode ischosen by the AC (85) based on the real time power consumption of the AD(78) and the state of the AD Control Signal (84). The CSMC (89) monitorsthe power consumption of the AD (78) by monitoring the current throughthe shunt resistor (77). The CSMC (89) monitors the output current levelby measuring the difference in voltage, Vdiff between the two sides(high and low side) of the shunt resistor (77), Vdiff=Va−Vb. The valueof the shunt resistor (77) is determined by the maximum power capabilityof the low power supply (74), in this embodiment the value of the shuntresistor (77) is 0.2 Ohms. The value of the shunt resistor (77) isdetermined to be such that the voltage drop, Vdiff, across the shuntresistor (77) is approximately 0.0030 volts when the power consumed bythe AD (78) equals 80% of the maximum power capability of the low powersupply (74). In this embodiment of the invention the maximum powercapability of the low power supply (74) is 250 mW. In this embodiment ofthe invention the CSMC (89) chosen provides a gain of approximately 1000times the input voltage, Vdiff. In this embodiment the CSMC (89) used isan Analog Devices integrated circuit, part number AD8262. The outputvoltage of the CSMC (89) (Vc) will be approximately 1000 times the inputvoltage, Vdiff. Therefore when the power consumption of the AD (78) iszero watts the output of the CSMC (89), Vc, will be approximately zerovolts. Hence when the power consumption of the AD (78) is 200 mW, 80% ofthe power capability of the low power supply (74), the output of theCSMC (89) (Vc) will be approximately 3V. The output of the CSMC (89),Vc, is a direct reflection of the real time power consumption of theassociated device AD (78) as a function of the current flow through theshunt resistor (77) to the AD (78).

Therefore this embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, operates asfollows:

1) The automation controller (AC) (85) controls the operating mode ofthe embodiment. The AC (85) determines the operating mode by monitoringthe power consumption of the AD (78) utilizing the output voltage of thecurrent sensing monitor circuit (CSMC) (89) as an input signal. The AC(85) also monitors the battery charge level via a second input. The AC(85) also monitors the state of the AD Control Signal (84). See FIG. 10for a flowchart of the operation of this embodiment.

2) The embodiment operates in high power mode when the embodiment isinitially plugged into or attached to the main power source (95, 97).When power is initially applied to the embodiment the battery (81)charging begins and the AC (85) determines the proper mode of operation(off, LPM or HPM), see FIG. 10, (95, 97, 98). Since the battery (81) hasnever been charged the embodiment will activate the low power supply(74) and the charging unit (79), until the battery (81) is charged (97,98). The low power supply (74) and the charging unit (79) are activatedwhen the AC (85) de-activates the normally closed relay, NCR (80). Afterthe battery (81) is initially charged the embodiment operates in any ofthe 3 modes (off, LPM, HPM). If the AD (78) is attached to theembodiment and the AD (78) is off or in an operational mode thatconsumes power at a level that the low power supply (74) can supply (inthis embodiment 200 mW) and the AD Control Signal (84) is not present,the embodiment switches to low power mode, LPM (90, 91, 92, 93). If theAD (78) is attached to the embodiment and the AD (78) is in anoperational mode that consumes power at a level that the low powersupply (74) cannot supply (greater than 80% of the maximum power ratingfor the low power supply (74)) or the AD Control Signal (84) is present,the embodiment operates in HPM (90, 96). In low power mode the low powersupply (74) and the charging unit (79) are active. In LPM mode the AD(78), the AC (85) and the CSMC (89) are powered by the low power supply(74). In HPM the AD (78) and AC (85) and the CSMC (89) are powered bythe high power supply (76).

3) Once the battery is initially charged the embodiment will operate inany of its operating modes, off, LPM or HPM by monitoring the output ofthe CSMC (89) and the state of the AD Control Signal (84) (90). When theoutput of the CSMC (89) goes to zero for a pre-defined period (based onthe intended use of the embodiment) and the AD Control Signal (84) isnot present, the AC (85) switches the embodiment to off mode (90, 91,92, 94). When the output of the CSMC (89), Vc, is greater than zerovolts and less than 3.0V and the AD Control Signal (84) is not present,the AC (85) switches the embodiment to low power mode, LPM (90, 91, 93).

4) The real time power consumption of the AD (78) is monitored by theCSMC (89) and the AC (85). When the power consumption of the AD (78)causes Vdiff to exceed 0.003V the current sensor output Vc, exceeds 3V.Vdiff equal to 0.003V is called the Low Power Threshold (90).

5) If Vc is equal to or greater than 3V or the AD Control Signal ispresent, the AC (85) de-energizes the normally closed relay (NCR) (87),connecting the main power source to the high power supply (76) (90, 96).When NCR (87) is de-energized the embodiment is in high power mode(HPM). When the NCR (87) is de-energized, the main power sourceenergizes the high power supply (76). When the high power supply (76) isenergized it supplies power to the AD (78), CSMC (89) and AC (85) viadiode (75). This will occur when the AD (78) consumes more power than80% of the power rating of the low power supply (74) or the AD ControlSignal (84) is present. In this embodiment the power rating of the lowpower supply (74) is 250 mW.

6) In HPM the AC (85) monitors the battery (81) charge level. If thebattery (81) is discharged the AC (85) will de-energize the normallyclosed relay, NCR, (80) (99, 100, 101). When the NCR (80) isde-energized the charging unit, CU (79) and the low power supply (74)are energized. The CU (79) will charge the battery (81) until fullycharged. Once the battery (81) is fully charged the AC (85) willenergize the NCR (80) to de-activate the CU (79) and the low powersupply (74), while in HPM (99, 100, 101).

7) If Vc is less than 3V and greater than zero (0) volts and the ADControl Signal (84) is not present, the AC (85) de-energizes (closes)the normally closed relay, NCR (80) placing the embodiment in low powermode, LPM (90, 91, 93). In LPM the AC (85) energizes NCR (87). When NCR(87) is energized the high power supply (76) is disconnected from themain power source and is de-activated. When the high power supply isde-energized the low power supply (74) provides power to the CSMC (89),the AC (85) and the AD (78). This will occur if the AD (78) is instand-by or low power consumption mode.

8) If Vc is equal to zero volts and the AD Control Signal (84) is notpresent, the AC (85) energizes the NCRs (80 and 87), placing theembodiment in off mode. When the power consumption of the AD (78) iszero or the AD (78) is disconnected the current through the shuntresistor is zero. When the current through the shunt resistor is zero,Vdiff will be zero. When Vdiff is zero, Vc will be zero. If the battery(81) is charged and Vc becomes zero volts while the embodiment is in HPMor LPM mode and the AD Control Signal (84) is not present the embodimentchanges to off mode (90, 91, 92, 94). If the battery (81) requirescharging and Vc becomes zero volts and the AD Control Signal (84) is notpresent while the embodiment is in HPM mode, the embodiment changes toLPM (90, 91, 93). If the battery (81) requires charging and Vc becomeszero volts and the AD Control Signal (84) is not present while theembodiment is in LPM the embodiment will remain in LPM until the batteryis charged (90, 91, 93). If Vc is zero and the AD Control Signal (84) isnot present when the battery (81) charging is complete the embodimentwill change to off mode (90, 91, 92, 94).

9) If the embodiment is unplugged or disconnected from the main powersource the embodiment will default to HPM when re-connected to the mainpower source (95, 97). If the battery (81) is not fully depleted theembodiment will immediately change to LPM (98, 90). If the AD (78)requires the embodiment to be in HPM when the embodiment is connected tothe main power source the embodiment will remain in HPM (90, 96). Thiswill occur given the presence of the AD Control Signal (84). If the ADControl Signal (84) is not present the embodiment will change to LPMbriefly until AC (85) determines Vc is greater than or equal to 3V. WhenVc is greater than or equal to 3V the AC (85) energizes NCR (87) (90,96). When NCR (87) is de-energized the high power supply (76) isactivated and the embodiment is in HPM mode.

10) The embodiment will operate in either LPM or HPM if the batteryfails or becomes fully depleted depending on the power consumption ofthe AD (78) (90, 91, 93).

The power consumption of an AD (78) varies based on its modes ofoperations. If the AD (78) is a laptop with a rechargeable battery thepower consumption of the AD (78) depends on a number of conditions.These conditions include the real time battery charge level (orpercentage), laptop operational mode: on, off, standby or hibernate.Standby and hibernate modes are power consumption modes wherein thelaptop reduces or turns-off components, such as display backlight, harddrive, etc. In battery charging mode, when the laptop battery is eitherpartially or completely discharged, the laptop (AD (78)) consumesmaximum power and the embodiment is in HPM. When the laptop battery isfully charged the laptop will consume less than the maximum powerconsumption. In that mode the embodiment may operate in LPM. As the AD(78) changes modes or battery charge level the embodiment changes modesamong off, LPM or HPM as the real time power consumption of the laptop(AD (78)) changes and the AD Control Signal (84) is activated or not.

In this embodiment the normally closed relay maybe replaced withnormally open relays based on the requirements of the intended use.Note, because of the direct connection between the LPM (74) and AD (78)the supply of low power may be on at all times.

Fifth Embodiment

A fifth embodiment of the invention is a power supply or batterycharging system comprising two power supplies, low power and high poweras depicted in FIG. 11. The low power supply (104) is designed to supplythe minimum power requirement of the AD (103) or the on-off-standby modecontrol circuitry. The high power supply (105) is designed to supply themaximum power requirement of the AD (103). The high power supply (105)is turned on or off by a control signal, Vc (107), from AD (103). The AD(103) control circuitry may be supplied with power 100% of the time theAD (103) is connected to the Main Power AC Source. The Vc (107)activates the Solid State Relay (106) to activate the High Power Supply(105) when the AD (103) is in the On mode. The Solid State Relay (106)may include a flip-flop or latching mechanism for storing the Vc (107)signal such that the AD (103) would provide a Vc (107) signal for bothactivating the HPS (105) and deactivating the HPS (105).

The system can also be embodied as a power supply for a flat panel TV.This embodiment is utilized to reduce the power consumption of the TVwhen turned off. Flat panel TVs consume power when turned off, typically0.4 to 3 W. This embodiment incorporates the same power supply utilizedby the flat panel TV as the high power supply (105). The embodimentincludes the low power supply (104) and the other components in the sameconfiguration as either of the previous embodiments. In this embodimentthe power supply power consumption in off mode is reduced up to 100%from the typical power consumption in off mode.

The many features and advantages of the embodiments are apparent fromthe detailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appendedclaims to cover all such features and advantages of the embodiments thatfall within the true spirit and scope thereof. Further, since numerousmodifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in theart, it is not desired to limit the inventive embodiments to the exactconstruction and operation illustrated and described, and accordinglyall suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, fallingwithin the scope thereof.

The system has been described with respect to a laptop and a television.Other types of devices that can be operated by this system include otherdevices that include a low power mode of operation where energy can besaved when in the low power mode, such as a microwave oven, anaudio/video receiver, a cable modem/receiver, a desktop computer, etc.

1. A method, comprising: monitoring a consumption of power associatedwith an electronic device during a high-power mode of operation of theelectronic device, wherein an alternating current (AC) power source isconnected to a high-power supply during the high-power mode ofoperation; identifying a change in the power consumed by the electronicdevice; and in response to said identifying a change in power,disconnecting the AC power source from the high-power supply.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the change in power results from a batteryassociated with the electronic device being fully charged.
 3. The methodof claim 1, wherein the change in power results from the electronicdevice being placed in a standby mode of operation.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the AC power source is connected to a low-power supplyduring the standby mode of operation.
 5. The method of claim 4, whereinthe low-power supply is used to charge a battery associated with theelectronic device during the standby mode of operation.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising monitoring a state of charge of a batteryassociated with the electronic device, wherein the high-power supply isconfigured both to charge the battery and to provide power when theelectronic device is being used.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein thechange in power results from the electronic device no longer being used,and wherein the AC power source is disconnected from the high-powersupply when both the battery is fully charged and the electronic deviceis no longer being used.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:switching from the high-power mode of operation to a low-power mode ofoperation in response to disconnecting the AC power source from thehigh-power supply, wherein a low-power supply is configured to supplypower to the electronic device during the low-power mode of operation;and monitoring, by the low-power supply, the consumption of power of theelectronic device during the low-power mode of operation.
 9. The methodof claim 8, further comprising: identifying an increase in the powerconsumed during the low-power mode of operation; and in response toidentifying the increase in power, reconnecting the AC power source tothe high-power supply.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein said switchingfrom the high-power mode of operation to a low-power mode of operationcomprises connecting the AC power source to the low-power supply.
 11. Amemory device having instructions stored thereon that, in response toexecution by a control device, cause the control device to performoperations comprising: providing, by a battery, a power requirement ofan electronic device during a high-power mode of operation associatedwith the electronic device; monitoring a remaining battery charge levelof the battery; identifying that the remaining battery charge level isless than or equal to a predefined battery charge level; and switchingthe electronic device from the high-power mode of operation to alow-power mode of operation associated with the electronic device based,at least in part, on the remaining battery charge level of the battery.12. The memory device of claim 11, further comprising switching from thehigh-power mode of operation to the low-power mode of operation inresponse to identifying that the remaining battery charge level is lessthan or equal to the predefined battery charge level.
 13. The memorydevice of claim 11, further comprising receiving a control signal,wherein the electronic device is switched from the high-power mode ofoperation to the low-power mode of operation in response to receivingthe control signal.
 14. The memory device of claim 13, wherein thecontrol device comprises an input/output interface, and wherein thecontrol signal is received in response to a command indicated by thecontrol device.
 15. The memory device of claim 14, wherein the commandcomprises a request to place the electronic device in the low-power modeof operation.
 16. The memory device of claim 11, further comprising:detecting the availability of an alternating current (AC) power source;and switching the electronic device from the low-power mode of operationback to the high-power mode of operation in response to detecting the ACpower source.
 17. A method, comprising: providing, by a battery, a powerrequirement of an electronic device during a high-power mode ofoperation associated with the electronic device; monitoring a remainingbattery charge level of the battery; identifying that the remainingbattery charge level is below a predefined battery charge level; andswitching the electronic device from the high-power mode of operation toa low-power mode of operation associated with the electronic device,wherein the electronic device consumes less power while operating in thelow-power mode of operation as compared to the electronic deviceoperating in the high-power mode of operation.
 18. The method of claim17, wherein the electronic device is switched from the high-power modeof operation to the low-power mode of operation in response toidentifying that the battery has been discharged below the predefinedbattery charge level.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprisingreceiving a control signal, wherein the electronic device is switchedfrom the high-power mode of operation to the low-power mode of operationin response to receiving the control signal.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein the control device comprises an input/output (I/O) interface,and wherein the control signal is received in response to a command fromthe I/O interface to place the electronic device in the low-power modeof operation.